The L-O-S-T in T-SPLOST refers to public trust
There’s a saying for politicians and for those of us who cover them: The voters are always right. While we’re bound to be subjected to a round or two of recriminations about who’s to blame for the absolute debacle that was the metro Atlanta T-SPLOST campaign, pay attention to those who show signs of understanding and accepting that saying. They’re the ones who will be most likely to find the way forward from here.
For my part, here’s what I think the voters were saying in their 63-37 defeat of the $7.2 billion tax.
The political class has lost our trust.
If that sounds obvious, consider that it’s also a puzzling situation, given that many of the same people who voted overwhelmingly against the T-SPLOST have been voting in large numbers to elect the same Republican politicians who gave us the T-SPLOST. I think there’s a pretty clear explanation: This is the consequence of having a one-party state.
Georgia has been a one-party state for pretty much 140 years now. The first 130 years, it was a one-party state ruled by Democrats. The past 10 years, it’s been a one-party state ruled by Republicans and Democrats-turned-Republicans. (Note: I am referring here only to the party holding the levers at the state level, not municipal or federal offices.) For most of those 140 years, there has been very little credible, effective opposition from the minority party. I’m sure it was worse for the Republicans at times between Reconstruction and Sonny Perdue’s watershed win in 2002, but the situation is pretty bleak right now for Georgia Democrats. And that means Georgia Republicans feel very little electoral heat, which leads them to act in a very insular way.
That’s played out no more clearly than in their attitude toward ethics: If legislators are wise, they’ll recognize that the lack of public trust on display in the T-SPLOST vote means they can’t very well ignore the support of 87 percent of GOP voters for a lengthening of the proverbial arm separating lobbyists from legislators. If I heard one voter say he thought T-SPLOST was all about rewarding political contributors and allies, I heard it from dozens of voters. Legislators cannot go too far in trying to improve the negative public perception around our lawmaking process.
Geographically, at least as it relates to the T-SPLOST, you can locate the center of that lack of trust along the Ga. 400 corridor. Perdue arguably lost Tuesday’s tax vote two years ago when he reneged on the longstanding promise to end the toll when the original bonds were paid off. An opinion poll conducted for the AJC, published last weekend, showed the 400 toll extension was a factor for 55 percent of voters — and that 64 percent of voters doubted the T-SPLOST would end when promised and be limited to the projects on the list.
Nathan Deal obviously thought he could show some good faith by announcing recently that the tolls would come down by the end of next year, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. But the AJC’s opinion poll showed the maneuver actually made voters less likely to vote for the T-SPLOST by a net 6 percentage points. The reason, in my view, is that it sends a signal that state government decides when and how to make these decisions on purely political considerations. Bad political considerations, it now appears.
There are a couple of ways for elected officials to show they understand this message. First and foremost, they must demonstrate clearly that all available transportation money is being spent as wisely and efficiently as possible.
That means showing transportation spending really is a priority for the state. All revenues from the motor fuel tax should be directed to transportation; currently, part of it goes to the general fund. When the inflation-driven formula for the motor fuel tax dictates that the rate should rise to keep spending level in real terms, state government should let it rise. Where money can be cut from lesser priorities and redirected to transportation infrastructure, it should be cut and redirected.
As for efficiency, the state needs to be much more transparent about which projects are priorities based on pure cost-benefit analysis, and begin spending the money we do have on the highest-rated projects. If that means re-examining the wisdom of balancing spending based on congressional districts — they might be equal in population, but they aren’t necessarily equal in terms of transportation needs — so be it.
The money I’ve talked about so far would probably be skewed toward roads rather than mass transit, if only because a constitutional amendment allowing gas-tax revenues to fund transit looks like a sure loser. Transit should be addressed in a two-step manner: First, create a truly regional (if not state-run) governance structure for mass transit in metro Atlanta that incorporates MARTA and the other transit agencies. Second, allow voters beyond Fulton and DeKalb to vote in a referendum to participate in the system, with specific descriptions of the infrastructure and services that would come with it. If they want to join, let them join the same way Fulton and DeKalb joined MARTA.
If some of that sounds like baby steps, well, that’s because they are. One of these days, the people who run our government — at the local, state and federal levels — are going to realize a little modesty on their part would go a long way toward re-establishing the public trust they’ve clearly lost.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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1,018 comments Add your comment
stands for decibels
August 1st, 2012
12:30 pm
A politician’s promise is worth it’s weight in feces.
That much? really?
JamVet
August 1st, 2012
12:30 pm
The Republican Party is not the solution to the problem, the Republican Party is the problem. ~Ronald McDonald Reagan
wallbanger
August 1st, 2012
12:31 pm
Like a lot of my friends, I never heard one credible, black and white description of a specific project and its cost projections. I figured all this money was going to be used by a bunch of “in crowd” wonks sitting around doing a circle jerk for several years and then maybe, coming up with some kind of plan, that, guess what, would require yet another referendum. Been there, done that, too many times. I will never buy a pig in a poke again.
USMC
August 1st, 2012
12:32 pm
Stands… It the majority of Republicans are for LIMITED government… LIMITED taxes.
NOT ANTI GOVERNMENT…. ANTI TAXES… It’s that simple, but you aren’t interested in the truth, we all know that, you are more interested in Blogosphere “GOTCHA” to stroke your pitiful, little ego.
We get it.
getalife
August 1st, 2012
12:34 pm
Melt down.
stands for decibels
August 1st, 2012
12:35 pm
you are more interested in Blogosphere “GOTCHA” to stroke your pitiful, little ego.
I’m not the one making unsupportable assertions, USMC. I think you hold some kind of Intertubes title for those.
anyway, love to stay and chat but I really gotta leave the time-vaccuum for awhile. later…
larry
August 1st, 2012
12:35 pm
I just wonder- and i’m changing the subject in a way- how many people who voted no on TSPLOST will vote yes on the charter school referendum?
Barry & The Magic Mushrooms of Ecstacy
August 1st, 2012
12:36 pm
Less of Your Money for the State to WASTE (again) = More Money to Spend at Chick-fil-A
DannyX
August 1st, 2012
12:36 pm
Disconnect between politicians and voters,
Republicans and Democrats each had non binding questions asking voters if they support ending the current practice of unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators.
Combined results:
YES…1,244,468…82%
NO…280,166…18%
Heaven can wait
August 1st, 2012
12:40 pm
“Of which your measly welfare check pays very little of…”
Matthew 25:40
King James Version (KJV)
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
USMC: just saying
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:41 pm
Well?
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:42 pm
JamVet
I found an old Bookman column from 7 years ago and found that you posted on it. What this means is that you’ve spent 7+ years blogging day in and day out on the AJC blogs.
What does that tell you?
JohnnyReb
August 1st, 2012
12:43 pm
Kyle, your reference to having two political parties in GA that are close to equal footing causes great concern. Look no further than Nationally to see what “compromise” does for you. On the National level, Conservatives have compromised with Liberals to the point of the country as founded is disappearing. We don’t need or want that in Georgia. Instead, both Nationally and within our state we need to fix the mess caused by Progressives.
A strong Republican Party clearly in control will make mistakes, but that is preferred to having compromise with those whom you share few beliefs and goals.
Butler Reynolds
August 1st, 2012
12:44 pm
…because that two-party system is working so well in Washington DC!
In a way, this was another “never let a crisis go to waste” incident. Given the awful traffic here, politicians thought they could use it as an excuse to raid our already thin wallets.
There’s nothing wrong with mass transit. But all over the country there’s a problem with government-run mass transit. Government mass transit is always 1) a budget buster and 2) does not reduce traffic on clogged government roads.
Meanwhile, let me see if I can find a $1 bill so that I can go ride Megabus.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:44 pm
“Melt down.”
Speaking of melt down, Romney has taken a 20 point lead among white voters. Libs can mock Romney and white people all they want but without the white vote, Obama is a one term president.
Oh, and I’m glad T-Splost went down in flames. Looks like the libs can go cry in their government funded beer.
Just a thought
August 1st, 2012
12:44 pm
Here’s a thought – take the money that was going to be spent installing a trolley car line from Centennial Park to the King Center and actually do ’something’ that will improve traffic in the city, like invest in extending MARTA to where people actually live. I would use MARTA every day if I could get on in Alpharetta, but it’s waste of money and time to drive to North Springs just to ride for 2 stops.
Heaven can wait
August 1st, 2012
12:45 pm
Logic
You made it back. Try not to allow your obsession with JamVet get you booted again.
SlickRick
August 1st, 2012
12:45 pm
Barry (the spelling-challenged) – allow me to complete the equation for you:
Less of Your Money for the State to WASTE (again) = More Money to Spend at Chick-fil-A = more heart problems and obesity among the uninsured (conservatives, I might add) = more emergency room visits = more taxpayer $$ being spent to help those who claim to be able to help themselves but don’t/can’t + higher healthcare premiums so private insurance and pharmaceutical companies can gouge us even more
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:46 pm
“Nathan Deal obviously thought he could show some good faith by announcing recently that the tolls would come down by the end of next year”
Tolls never come down. In Chicago, governors told their constituents that the tolls would come down after the interstates were finished. Flash forward 10 years later and they’re still there.
md
August 1st, 2012
12:47 pm
“you mean, increase the fare to fund all operations? end subsidies?”
Absolutely………
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:47 pm
“You made it back. Try not to allow your obsession with JamVet get you booted again.”
I called him by another name and I didn’t realize that that was a no-no on Kyle’s blog. I’m not obsessed with him but I do like calling him out for his hypocrisy.
NOTOOBAMA
August 1st, 2012
12:48 pm
I think someone should be brought up on charges for the lies told regarding the TSPLOST on taxpayer funded advertising.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:48 pm
“Debbie Dooley and the rest of her minions should stay in the burbs, rally at their local Applebee’s, and stop clogging the intown streets!!!!!”
Looks like we have ourselves a JR. Rahm Emanuel here. Hey pal, free speech is free speech no matter how hard you and your comrades try to surpress it.
Jack
August 1st, 2012
12:48 pm
Likely the T-SPLOST percentage of loss mirrors the Democratic presidential loss in November.
Tealiban Party
August 1st, 2012
12:49 pm
USMC
August 1st, 2012
12:30 pm
Of which your measly welfare check pays very little of…
“Well, all it says is that your cute little stereotypes exist only in your little mind.”
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:49 pm
Oh, and for the Elizabeth Warren fans out there.
Yeah, she’s a communist who has no idea what she’s talking about.
Little Pow Wow Chow is gonna go down in flames.
jconservative
August 1st, 2012
12:50 pm
I agree with Kyle that the same people who gave us the T-SPLOST will be reelected to office.
Everyone who voted NO on T-SPLOST should vote against every incumbent member of the state legislature on their ballot. But they will not do so.
So we will go through another charade session of the General Assembly next January.
As Kyle noted, single party rule by any other name is single party rule.
SlickRick
August 1st, 2012
12:50 pm
Jack – check the polls. the socialist is extending his lead.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:51 pm
“I hope Debbie enjoyed her commute from Dacula to midtown on those taxpayer funded roads and highways.”
Not sure what that even means. Did Ed Shultz tell you to write that?
Heaven can wait
August 1st, 2012
12:52 pm
Kyle
Pretty accurate and fair article.
Thanks
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:53 pm
“check the polls. the socialist is extending his lead.”
link please.
Tealiban Party
August 1st, 2012
12:54 pm
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:51 pm
“I hope Debbie enjoyed her commute from Dacula to midtown on those taxpayer funded roads and highways.”
Not sure what that even means. Did Ed Shultz tell you to write that?
Comprehension can be difficult when you live in a world of conservative paranoia where a comment on traffic congestion somehow equals supression of free speech.
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
12:55 pm
Logic — “link please.”
http://www.electoral-vote.com
Eat a Peach
August 1st, 2012
12:55 pm
Slick Rick
shhhhhhh
Don’t say anything. These people think Romney is actually going to win.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 1st, 2012
12:58 pm
The banker class has lost our trust.
fixed your typo…
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:59 pm
“Comprehension can be difficult when you live in a world of conservative paranoia where a comment on traffic congestion somehow equals supression of free speech.”
Speaking of comprehension issues, please show me in your last copy/paste of my comment where I said anything about free speech surpression.
Thanks
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
1:00 pm
“http://www.electoral-vote.com”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
Keep on trying!
Bruno
August 1st, 2012
1:02 pm
All revenues from the motor fuel tax should be directed to transportation; currently, part of it goes to the general fund.
Excellent suggestion, Kyle. Has this ever been proposed in the GA legislature.
Also, good job with your headline. As I keep saying, a little s-p-i-c-e goes a long way.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
1:02 pm
” These people think Romney is actually going to win.”
I distinctly remember back in 2010 when libs were mocking the Tea Party. I remember all their predictions about how the Dems would win.
Flash forward to a few months ago when Scott Walker destroyed the union voters in Wis. I remember the Ed Shultz’s of the lib world declaring early victory in that race.
Man oh man I can’t wait for November.
say it as it is
August 1st, 2012
1:02 pm
@ Billy D ~ Over many, many years, it may also be a consequence of living in a “one paper town” … i.e. one corporation owns AJC, Creative Loafing, and WSB.
@@
August 1st, 2012
1:02 pm
All revenues from the motor fuel tax should be directed to transportation; currently, part of it goes to the general fund. When the inflation-driven formula for the motor fuel tax dictates that the rate should rise to keep spending level in real terms, state government should let it rise. Where money can be cut from lesser priorities and redirected to transportation infrastructure, it should be cut and redirected.
AMEN!!!
When I worked for local government, all budget requests came to my boss. Each department heads asked for a large increase hoping to get, at the very least, a smaller increase. If money came down from on high (state or fed), they struggled to find some way to spend it, never stopping to think they didn’t HAVE to spend every penny that fell from “heaven”.
Bruno
August 1st, 2012
1:03 pm
I keep telling everybody that nothing has really changed now that Georgia is a one party Republican state from when it was a one party Democratic state but nobody listens.
What’s that?? Did you say something Hillbilly??
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
1:04 pm
BTW, went to Chicfila today and it was packed.
In Chicago.
Come on libs, tell us all again how Chicfila will go under because of Cathy’s support of traditional marriage.
getalife
August 1st, 2012
1:04 pm
President Obama will win because steady job growth is the best you can get after a collapse.
The gop will collapse our economy again.
The gop are job killers.
Erwin's cat
August 1st, 2012
1:06 pm
President Obama will win because steady job growth is the best you can get after a collapse.
and when will we see it?
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
Logic — “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! Keep on trying!”
Laugh if you want, but he’s quite accurate, and he *does* fold Rasmussen’s numbers into his. Plus, he freely offers a competitor’s site (run by a conservative Christian) if you don’t like his projections. Just FYI, that competitor is showing 303-235 Obama today.
If you can formally discredit it, I’m all ears.
JamVet
August 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
What does that tell you?
That you do not know how to use a calendar.
That or you are just an inveterate liar.
Or both.
Sad, but not unexpected.
BTW, welcome back to the blog.
Perhaps you can use enough adult self-control to last more than a week this time?
LOL (at you)…
Tealiban Party
August 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:48 pm
Looks like we have ourselves a JR. Rahm Emanuel here. Hey pal, free speech is free speech no matter how hard you and your comrades try to surpress it.
You’re welcome.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
“President Obama will win because steady job growth is the best you can get after a collapse.”
Yeah and LSU will win the 2011 championship and the Saints will win the Super Bowl. Some of getalifes infamous predictions.
“The gop will collapse our economy again.”
Contradict yourself much? How can they collapse the economy if Obama is president?
Gotta do better than that, getalife.
Tealiban Party
August 1st, 2012
1:09 pm
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
12:59 pm
Speaking of comprehension issues, please show me in your last copy/paste of my comment where I said anything about free speech surpression.
Again, you’re welcome.